UNIMAID Hosts Landmark Book Launch on Islam, Media, and Popular Culture in Nigeria

The Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, joined academics, scholars, and other key stakeholders at the University of Maiduguri on Sunday, September 6, 2026, for a major intellectual gathering. The event, held at Muhammadu Indimi Hall, was for the official launch and public presentation of two significant books tagged: "Communication, Media and Islam in Nigeria: A Multidisciplinary Reader" and "Islam and Popular Culture in Nigeria."

Delivering the address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Central Administration), Professor Babagana Bako, highly commended the authors and editors for their outstanding intellectual contributions and initiative in producing the books.

Professor Bako described the newly launched publications as highly valuable additions to global scholarship and knowledge production. He urged the authors to sustain their academic momentum and challenged other scholars to emulate this laudable initiative by producing works that meaningfully impact society.

The highly anticipated books edited by Dr. Ibrahim Uba Yusuf and Dr. Abdulmutalib Ado Abubakar of the University of Maiduguri, alongside Abubakar Alhaji Bukar of Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, were published this year, 2026. The works significantly contribute to the growing body of literature exploring the complex intersections of communication, mass media, and Islamic practices in contemporary Nigerian society and beyond.

Serving as the Guest Lecturer for the occasion, Professor Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, the immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, delivered a thought-provoking presentation. He admonished scholars, media practitioners, and stakeholders to consciously harness the power of modern media to seamlessly propagate Islamic teachings, core values, and etiquette, while consistently projecting positive narratives within the society.

Adding to the chorus of commendations, the representative of the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, SSG, Dr. Mohammed Goje, praised the collaborative efforts of the authors and editors, describing the twin publications as a timely and intellectually relevant body of work.

The grand event successfully brought together top government functionaries, renowned academics, researchers, students, and other educational stakeholders to celebrate the vital role of robust scholarship in deepening the public's understanding of Islam, media dynamics, and popular culture in Nigeria.